Modern Mining October 2024

is being able to put together pumps systems locally, he says. “With our well-equipped technical facilities in South Africa, we apply our ‘local build’ approach to speed up the supply of the larger self-priming diesel pumps,” he says. “We know that mines can face lead times of 22 to 30 weeks when they order a fully-assembled pump from abroad. We can do the same job in just two to three weeks, all in accordance with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications.” The long lead times for overseas builds are often due to the availability of diesel engines in the country of assembly, he points out. By leveraging its local partnerships with diesel engine OEMs, Integrated Pump Technology can rather source its engines in countries like South Africa. This allows the company to bring in only the wet end of the system, to conduct the assembly locally – and closer to the customer. “With our strong technical capability, we provide the option of trailer or skid mounted diesel driven pumps,” he says. “The customer may also have a preference for a certain make of diesel engine, to suit their on-site skills set; we engage with a range of OEMs and can source various options for the customer.” Marsh notes that similar priority is placed on the technical capabilities of its distributors, as Integrated Pump Technology regards their distributors’ in-country workshops as an extension of its own facilities. For this reason, these workshops are inspected and accredited, so servicing and repairs can be conducted to OEM standards. Skills development is also a key part of the process. “When we appointed our distributor in Zambia, for instance, we brought the technical staff to Johannesburg for specialised training in working on our equipment,” he says. “This includes understanding the detailed procedures for stripping and repairing units, which they can practice hands-on in our facility.” Integrated Pump Technology’s success in southern and central Africa is now opening doors for further expansion into west African countries, he adds. With the confidence of their OEM partners behind them, the company will soon be making its complete offering of Grindex and Godwin solutions available to the mining and other sectors in this region. n

Grindex pumps, renowned for their reliability and efficiency, are at the heart of Integrated Pump Technology’s product offering.

Godwin diesel-driven dewatering pumps offer reliable operation where electricity is not available or there is limited access to power.

The well-respected Godwin range of diesel-driven pumps was recently added to the company’s product offering.

October 2024 | www.modernminingmagazine.co.za  MODERN MINING  29